Thailand enjoys sweet taste of Aussie persimmons

Queensland
persimmon growers have reaped the benefits of Australia’s latest market access
deal with Thailand as the first trial shipment of persimmons to Thailand saw
locals go crazy over the Aussie fruit.

The
shipment left Brisbane last week on one of the few remaining flights to
Bangkok, Thailand, following the cancellation of many international flights due
to the COVID-19 pandemic with the fruit selling out shortly after arrival.

The
shipment was the first batch of fresh produce from Australia to Thailand to use
chemical and heat free phytosanitary irradiation under a new protocol
negotiated by the Federal Government.

Queensland
persimmon grower, Ross Stuhmcke, said that the new trial was an exciting
opportunity for the persimmon industry and all horticulture industries.

“It
has been far from an ideal season, with the drought and then rain during
harvest but we were very committed to making this happen,” Mr Stuhmcke said.

“What has been impressive with this trial is the real partnership between industry, government, the grower and the importer. All have played an important role in its success.”

Queensland persimmon grower Ross Stuhmcke.

Thailand imports around $23 million of persimmons each year with Japan and New Zealand the country’s main provider.

Currently only Queensland persimmons have access to Thailand with hopes that the success of the first trial shipment will lead to an extension of the protocol to other states, including NSW where the fruit is also grown.

Minister
for Agriculture, David Littleproud, said the shipment demonstrated the
Government’s commitment to expanding market access for Australian agricultural
products, even during unprecedented and challenging times.

“While
our farmers and exporters face the challenges created by the drought and now
COVID-19, they still managed to trial this new pathway to market,” Minister
Littleproud said.

“The
shipment marks a major milestone for Australian farmers made possible through
ongoing collaboration between industry, state and federal governments over
close to seven years of negotiations.

“This
was the first shipment of any irradiated horticulture produce from Australia to
Thailand. Phytosanitary irradiation is a safe, fast and effective chemical free
alternative to existing export treatments.

The
access to Thailand’s market has been negotiated over a number of years, which
Minister Littleproud said demonstrated a long-term commitment to bilateral
agricultural relationships.

“The
Australian and Thai governments continue to work together towards opening the
irradiation pathway for other fruit exports, from Australia to Thailand and from
Thailand to Australia,” Minister Littleproud said.

/Public Release. View in full here.